The highly anticipated Liverpool vs Leicester Premier League clash is set to take place on Thursday, December 26, 2024, at Anfield. Arne Slot’s Liverpool, currently leading the Premier League table, will look to extend their dominance against a struggling Leicester City side. With both teams having contrasting seasons, this match promises to be an intriguing battle.
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Liverpool Preview: Arne Slot’s Reds in Command
Liverpool have been in scintillating form under new manager Arne Slot, who took over during the summer. The Reds have won 21 out of 25 matches across all competitions this season, showcasing their attacking prowess and tactical discipline.
Their most recent outing was a thrilling 6-3 victory over Tottenham Hotspur, where Luis DÃaz and Mohamed Salah both scored braces, supported by goals from Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai. This result further cemented Liverpool’s position as title favorites.
However, defensive frailties have emerged in recent weeks, with the team conceding seven goals in their last three Premier League matches. Despite this, Liverpool’s firepower in attack makes them a formidable force, especially at Anfield.
Liverpool Team News
The Reds will be without key defensive players Ibrahima Konaté and Conor Bradley, both sidelined due to injuries. Arne Slot is expected to field a strong lineup in a 4-2-3-1 formation:
Predicted XI (4-2-3-1):
Goalkeeper (GK):
- Alisson
Defenders (DF):
- Right-back: Alexander-Arnold
- Center-backs: Gomez, Van Dijk
- Left-back: Robertson
Midfielders (MF):
- Defensive/central midfielders: Mac Allister, Jones
- Attacking midfielders: Salah, Szoboszlai, DÃaz
Forward (FW):
Striker: Núñez
Unavailable: Konaté (Injured), Bradley (Injured)
Leicester Preview: Ruud van Nistelrooy’s Struggles
Leicester City, under new manager Ruud van Nistelrooy, have had a tough start to the season. Despite an initial boost with four points from his first two matches, the Foxes have since suffered back-to-back defeats.
Their recent 3-0 loss to Wolverhampton Wanderers and a 4-0 thrashing by Newcastle United have left Leicester teetering just above the relegation zone. Defensive lapses and a lack of attacking cohesion have been their undoing, and a trip to Anfield presents a daunting challenge.
Leicester Team News
Leicester face injury concerns, with Jamie Vardy and Mads Hermansen doubtful for the match. If Vardy is unavailable, Patson Daka is expected to lead the line.
Predicted XI (4-2-3-1):
Goalkeeper (GK):
- Stolarczyk
Defenders (DF):
- Right-back: Justin
- Center-backs: Coady, Vestergaard
- Left-back: Kristiansen
Midfielders (MF):
- Defensive/central midfielders: Skipp, Soumaré
- Attacking midfielders: Ayew, El Khannouss, Mavididi
Forward (FW):
Striker: Daka
Unavailable: Pereira (Injured), Ndidi (Injured), Fatawu (Injured)
Questionable: Hermansen (Injured), Vardy (Injured)
Match Prediction: Liverpool to Dominate
Liverpool’s attacking firepower and home advantage make them overwhelming favorites in this encounter. While Arne Slot’s side has shown some defensive vulnerabilities, Leicester’s recent struggles suggest they may not have the quality to exploit them.
Expect Liverpool to control the game from start to finish, with a comfortable victory likely. A -1 handicap bet on Liverpool seems a safe prediction for this match.
Prediction: Liverpool 4-0 Leicester
